Education Shake-Up: Trump's Plan to Dismantle the Department

The White House is gearing up for a significant shift in education policy. President Trump is considering an executive order that would start the process of dismantling the Department of Education. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce the size of the federal government. The order, if signed, would instruct the Education Secretary to begin the process of closing down the department. However, the president does not have the authority to completely abolish the department without Congress's approval. This means that even if Trump signs the order, the department won't be shut down immediately. The draft order highlights the perceived failure of federal education programs. It argues that these programs have not benefited children, teachers, or families. The order suggests that the department's unaccountable bureaucrats and federal programs have not served the best interests of American education. This isn't the first time calls to abolish or merge the Department of Education have been made. In the past, these efforts have failed to gain traction in Congress. Some Republicans, like Maine Senator Susan Collins, have expressed skepticism about the plan. Collins, who chairs the powerful Appropriations Committee, pointed out that the department oversees critical programs for children with disabilities and those from low-income families. Other Republicans, such as Senator Bill Cassidy, have shown support for giving states more control over education systems. However, Cassidy has also expressed a need for more details about the Trump administration's plan. Cassidy believes that returning control to the states and localities is a good idea, but he wants to know exactly what "winding down" the department means. Trump has repeatedly criticized the department as a symbol of federal overreach. He has tied it to culture war issues, claiming that the department abuses taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate America's youth. Trump has even joked about wanting the Education Secretary to "put herself out of a job. " If Trump's plan succeeds, some programs and funding could be retained and shifted to other agencies. Many federal funding programs for K-12 schools, which support the education of students from low-income families and children with disabilities, predated the creation of the Department of Education. The Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, has sent a message to her staff titled "Our Department’s Final Mission. " She invited employees to join her in this historic final mission on behalf of all students. McMahon believes that the agency's review of its programs is long overdue, noting that the agency has received $1 trillion in federal funding since its establishment but that student outcomes have "languished. " McMahon has warned that these actions will "profoundly impact staff, budgets, and agency operations. " The task is "the elimination of bureaucratic bloat" at the agency. She believes that millions of young Americans are trapped in failing schools, subjected to radical anti-American ideology, or saddled with college debt for a degree that has not provided a meaningful return on their investment. Teachers are leaving the profession in droves after just a few years—and citing red tape as one of their primary reasons. Under her leadership, the agency’s three principles will be: Parents are the primary decision-makers; education should concentrate on math, reading, science, and history; and postsecondary education should prepare students for well-paying careers. The Department of Education was created in 1979. Before that, many of its programs were housed in other federal agencies. The department has faced criticism for its size and effectiveness, but it has also been praised for its role in ensuring equal access to education for all students. The move to dismantle the Department of Education is a complex issue. It raises questions about the role of the federal government in education, the effectiveness of federal education programs, and the impact of such a move on students, teachers, and families. Critics argue that dismantling the department could lead to a lack of oversight and accountability in education. They worry that states and localities may not have the resources or expertise to take on the responsibilities currently held by the federal government. Supporters, on the other hand, believe that returning control to the states and localities is a good idea. They argue that states and localities are better positioned to address the unique needs of their communities. The debate over the future of the Department of Education is far from over. It remains to be seen whether Trump's plan will gain traction in Congress or if it will be met with the same resistance as previous efforts to dismantle or merge the department.